University of Rhode Island
Big Ideas, Big Impact: University of Rhode Island
The Challenge
As Rhode Island’s flagship public research university and land and sea grant institution, the University of Rhode Island (URI) plays a central role in advancing the state’s economic prosperity, workforce development, and innovation ecosystem. University leadership sought to better understand and clearly communicate the full scope of URI’s contributions beyond its core education and research mission, demonstrating how the institution drives economic growth, supports employers, and benefits communities across Rhode Island.
How We Helped
Tripp Umbach partnered with URI to conduct a comprehensive economic and community impact analysis for Fiscal Year 2025. The analysis examined the full scope of the university’s operations and affiliated entities, including the URI Foundation, the Bradford R. Boss Arena, and the Thomas M. Ryan Center, to capture the complete impact of institutional spending, employment, research activity, student expenditures, and visitor activity.
In addition to quantifying the university’s statewide economic impact, Tripp Umbach assessed key strategic areas that define URI’s role in Rhode Island’s innovation economy. These areas included research, health programs, ocean programs, athletics, and alumni contributions. The study also included a focused regional analysis of Washington County, where the university’s main campuses are located.
The analysis confirmed that URI is a major driver of economic activity across the state. In FY25, URI generated $2.0 billion in total economic impact across Rhode Island, supporting 17,799 jobs statewide and producing $135.2 million in state tax revenue. The university’s operations, research enterprise, workforce development, student spending, and visitor activity create broad ripple effects throughout the state’s economy, returning $17.39 in economic impact for every $1 invested by the State of Rhode Island and reinforcing URI’s role as a critical engine of long-term economic vitality for the Ocean State.